As someone fairly new to classical music who can be easily embarrassed by my ignorance, I'm wondering whether any of you seasoned listeners could provide a list of a dozen classical pieces that everyone is 'expected' to know?

"l do not consider my music as atonal, but rather as non-tonal. I feel the unity of all keys. Atonal music by modern composers admits of no key at all, no feeling of any definite center." - Arnold Schoenberg

Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (there are also numerous orchestrations, most famously the one by Ravel)Below are two recordings of the work, by Mikhail Pletnev and Leif-Ove Andsnes.https://www.youtube.com/v/kxg2R0Pqb3c

I'm ashamed to have forgotten Pictures. I did vacillate about adding The Four Seasons or not...figured there was plenty more without it. Now I've revealed my bias and will shut up.

There's nothing wrong with getting to know the warhorses and the the popular hits, so I wish you happy listening, Rosalba.

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"l do not consider my music as atonal, but rather as non-tonal. I feel the unity of all keys. Atonal music by modern composers admits of no key at all, no feeling of any definite center." - Arnold Schoenberg

I must say I wouldn't have thought of naming Passacaglia & Fugue in c minor, BWV 582 before Toccata & Fugue in d minor, BWV 565 - the former is clearly the (even) better piece, granted, but the latter is surely far more well-known.

Let us know what you like, and what you like less . . . there are always more suggestions to be made

I like the music of the eighteenth century - or anything with a strong or interesting rhythm. Thanks for asking. And thanks again for your samples - I've started on them today, and so far, very nice indeed!

I must say I wouldn't have thought of naming Passacaglia & Fugue in c minor, BWV 582 before Toccata & Fugue in d minor, BWV 565 - the former is clearly the (even) better piece, granted, but the latter is surely far more well-known...

Thank you for your examples, North Star - I am looking forward to listening to them.

As a seasoned ignoramus, I found the book Classical Music by Jan Swafford to be useful to "get my bearings."

Put Radio 3 on, just as background music (sacrilege!).

Nothing is required or expected. I admit I've got stuff by the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, but my very favourite music is often by composers I hadn't even heard a note of just a few years ago (or even heard of).

As a seasoned ignoramus, I found the book Classical Music by Jan Swafford to be useful to "get my bearings."

Put Radio 3 on, just as background music (sacrilege!).

Nothing is required or expected. I admit I've got stuff by the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, but my very favourite music is often by composers I hadn't even heard a note of just a few years ago (or even heard of).

Enjoy the journey. 👍😃

You're being given pearls here

Truly, two keys to the wonder of classical music are: the literature is mind-bogglingly rich (breadth and depth), and to enjoy it is purely elective.

As a seasoned ignoramus, I found the book Classical Music by Jan Swafford to be useful to "get my bearings."

Put Radio 3 on, just as background music (sacrilege!).

Nothing is required or expected. I admit I've got stuff by the likes of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, but my very favourite music is often by composers I hadn't even heard a note of just a few years ago (or even heard of).

Enjoy the journey. 👍😃

Thank you - I've googled the Swafford book and it looks good. I will definitely read it.

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